Before you can receive your Residence Card (formerly ARC) and be officially registered as a foreign resident in Korea, you must schedule an appointment at your local Immigration Office. The Residence Card is essential; it serves as your legal ID in Korea and is required for tasks such as opening a bank account, signing a phone contract, accessing healthcare, and proving your visa status.
The guide below walks you through each stage of visiting your immigration office, so you know exactly what to expect.
While immigration allows foreign teachers up to 90 days to complete their resident registration, in reality, teachers must begin the process immediately after receiving their medical examination results. This is because the local Office of Education requires teachers to register within 15 days of their contract starting date. To apply, teachers must visit the local immigration office that has jurisdiction over their area of residence (not workplace). For example, if your housing is in Seoul, you must register at the Seoul Immigration Office.
| Note: If you’re looking to travel outside of Korea, you must first apply for a re-entry permit and carry your RC with you. You are NOT permitted to leave the country before receiving your RC. If you are permanently leaving Korea, you must return your RC at the airport. |
Step 1. Make an Online Reservation through Hi Korea
You must make an appointment before visiting the Immigration Office. Walk-ins are only allowed on the last day of your visa, and even then, your application may not be accepted. See how to reserve an immigration appointment through Hi Korea.
Step 2. Preparing Documents for Your Residence Card
Prepare Documents + Fee
Application Fee: Cash 35,000 KRW (39,000 KRW with mail delivery, since January 10, 2025)*
*The fee is typically paid by the teachers. Discuss with your school about payment/reimbursement. |
| Document(s) | Details |
|
(1) Application Form (Report Form)
|
• Available in the immigration office, but you can bring a printed copy in advance
|
| (1) Appointment Receipt |
• Print out the appointment receipt from Hi Korea • Remember your Call Number (Call No.), this number will appear on the screen at the office. Go to the booth with that number when called.
|
| (1) Official Passport-sized Photo |
• 3.5 x 4.5 cm • Color, white background • Ears visible, no hats, closed mouth, etc. • Glue to the right side of the form |
| Original Passport | • Must have at least 6 months of validity. |
| (1) Photocopy of Passport | • Copy of the pages showing your personal information and visa. |
| (1) Visa Grant Notice | • Print Visa Grant Notice on “Korea Visa Portal.” |
| (1) Medical Examination Report | • Must include drug test results (cocaine, opiates, cannabinoids, methoxyphenamine) |
| Documents to Prove Place of Residence (See Proof of Residence) | • Lease Contract, Certificate of Accommodation, Advance Notice on Expiration of Stay, Utility Bill Payment Receipt, etc. (Provided by the school if you're in school housing.) |
| (1) Copy of the School's Business Registration & School Establishment Certificates | • These certificates are provided by the school. |
Step 3. Visiting Your Local Immigration Office & Applying for Your Card (In-Person)
1. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes BEFORE your appointment time, as you will have to pay for the Residence Card prior to submitting your documents.
2. Locate the “Residence (Permits/Division/etc.) Floor in your local office (체류민원실 in Korean
(E.g., Located on 1F & 3F in Seoul Immigration Office)
3. Before submitting your documents, you must pay your card issuance fee at the ATM inside the building.
| Note: Check whether another ATM has a shorter line. For example, at the Seoul Immigration Office, the Woori Bank ATM on the third floor is usually less crowded than the one on the first floor. |
4. How to Use the ATM to Pay for the Registration Card Issuance Fee.
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Choose English as the language.
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Select “Paying for alien registration card issuance.”
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Read the agreement text, and click “Agree/Continue”.
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Choose between “Scanning your Passport” or “Directly Inputting Passport ID.” If you choose to scan your passport, turn to the passport page with your name, photo, and machine-readable zone (MRZ). Place the page face down on the scanner glass.
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Choose between “Card Pickup” (35,000 KRW) or “Mail-in Delivery” (39,000 KRW).
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Input the correct cash amount into the machine. Wait for the receipt.
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Make sure to hold onto the receipt! You will have to hand in the receipt along with the rest of your documents.
| Note: There will be workers who will assist you if you need any clarification or help. |
5. Remember your Call No. (E.g., 135) listed on your Appointment Receipt. Your number will appear on the TV screen and on the small monitor above the employee booth. When your number appears, you will be expected to go to the booth displaying your number.
6. Once your number is called, submit your documents and your receipt.
Step 4. Retrieve Your Residence Card (In-Person/Mail)
You will be notified on your phone once your residence card is ready. The card typically takes 2-4 weeks to process.
- If you chose pickup, you can collect your card at the office (Information booth/Card Pick-up) without taking a queue ticket (no reservation needed)
- If you chose mail delivery, your card will be mailed to the address you provided.
Details on your residence card
Front
- Registration No. / Alien Registration Number: 13-digit code
- Name: As shown in your passport (English)
- Nationality/Region: Written in English
- Status: (E-2-1)
- Issuing Authority: Stated in both Korean and English (Name of your Immigration Office)
Back
- Duration of Stay (1 year)
- Permission Date: Date your stay permission was granted
- Expiration Date: End date of your stay period
- Address
- Your home address in Korea
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As former native English teachers in Korea, we know exactly what it’s like to navigate teaching abroad. That’s why we’re committed to increasing transparency in schools and improving Korea’s ESL teaching industry. At Embark Recruiting, we provide full support to help you succeed. Our blogs offer guidance, tips, and insider knowledge for teaching in Korea.